Playing with Fire (Rewritten)

Chapter 8: Injury

" Keep at it, Karin!"

Rukai's yell could be heard from afar. Sweat dripped down her forehead as she continued to keep her pace. Her hand squeezed onto the rubber ball for dear life and each breath she took felt like a plea for air.

Pop — the ball had burst into flimsy pieces of rubber. Rukia blew out a whistle as soon as that happen. Her body instinctively slowed down as exhaustion buckled her aching legs.

" Good job. We can end it here for today." Rukia patted her on the back. Those reassuring words eased her pounding heart. Karin could barely form sentences for it took too much energy, so she just nodded.

" You held out longer than before. At this rate, you'll be there in no time!"

"....thanks." Karin managed to say in a breathy and shaky voice. She eventually lifted herself up and dragged her weary body upstairs.

Just what was the soul society thinking putting her through all of this? Of all times, why couldn't they have done this during the summer where she would at least get a break from college. Her hands clasped into a small prayer. Karin had never been religious, but these days with the constant training, she might need some higher being's help to get through this.

Suddenly, a sting ran along her nerves causing her to limp, "Again?' She said out loud, gritting her teeth while she was at it.

It seemed to be happening more and more else days. Ever since that hollow attack, the pain hadn't faded. Karin could easily discerned this was somehow related to that. Although she had no idea how or why. But she was certain she would bring it up the next time hurt.

Karin made it to the front of the shop, opening the door to familiar face, " Oh...hey Toshiro."

" Hi Kurosaki," Toshiro looked to see Karin's flushed and sweaty face, " Just finished training?"

Taking the small towel in her hand, she dabbed her face some more, " Oh wow I had no idea." Her tone oozed with sarcasm. She saw him still as a brick, " Yes, I was at training. Were you just out here waiting?"

" I do have things to do you know." He folded his arms as she shrugged.

" Well, I wouldn't know. Seeing as you have enough time to follow me around, I assume so."

" Very funny." Toshiro rolled his eyes, " Let's go, I'll accompany you home if you don't have anywhere else to be."

He stood outside waiting as Karin put on her regular shoes. " What's got you in a rush? Can't get enough of me?" Karin teased.

" Don't be ridiculous, Kurosaki."

He motion her forward as the two embark on their usual path home. By the time they arrived at her house, Karin noticed all the lights were on. 'Odd.' Usually, by this time, only the clinic would be open.

She stood at her doorstep, turning around to say bye when she saw Toshiro's concerned expression. His brows furrowed into a knot, and he pointed to her face.

" Kurosaki..you don't look too good."

The edge of her fingertips touched her forehead as cold sweats came pouring down. Karin couldn't grasped on why she suddenly felt so drained. " I don't kn–"

It was at that moment that an excruciating surge of pain seized her entire body. The only other sensation she'd felt was when she hit the ground; her body crawled into a fetal position as her mind grew numb at the torment.

" Kurosaki! What's going on?!"

" Sh-shit..."

Karin felt the words seethed out of her teeth. Everything was a blur from Toshiro's face to the words he was shouting. She hadn't noticed him ringing her doorbell as she closed her eyes.